OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.
NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Wondering how to foster active learning in Zoom sessions? See the Center for Teaching and Learning’s new Elevating Student Engagement infographic. See the Teaching Faculty website for all the August Teaching Tips and to register for a September workshop on teaching and course design.
Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media. Content appearing includes timely news and feature stories from broadcast, print and online sources. Occasionally, opinion pieces and first-person columns appearing in mainstream media outlets that are written by faculty members and pertain to their academic or professional expertise may be included based on their unique, informative value, timeliness and space constraints. It is not the policy of OSU Today to include Letters to the Editor.
Oregon State University is moving ahead with plans to resume some in-person classes this fall despite opposition from some faculty and Corvallis residents concerned that bringing students back to campus will bring more COVID-19 into the community and in the face of a looming budget shortfall expected to exceed $200 million. (see also KLCC, Corvallis Advocate)
A new study from Oregon State University has found that 77% of low-to middle-income households in the United States fall below the asset poverty threshold.
Gardening is in full swing and if you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service. OSU Extension faculty and Master Gardeners reply to queries within two business days, usually less.
Director Elizabeth Helman wants people to feel immersed in Oregon State University Theatre’s audio drama performance of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
Outbreaks and super-spreading events have occurred in several counties. In a survey conducted July 25-26, Oregon State University’s TRACE study found that 17% of Hermiston, Oregon residents may have had COVID-19 during their study period. In Malheur County, Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority estimated that 266 out of every 100,000 people have COVID-19, and with 20% of tests coming back positive, that number could be much higher. Still, some counties continue to see little to no confirmed transmission.
In the dead of the night, in the 11th hour, Oregon State University-Cascades’ proposed Student Success Center was a failure in the Legislature — again.
The head of Oregon State University’s fledgling police force has submitted his resignation before it even had a chance to get off the ground, but university officials say the department will still begin operations as scheduled on Jan. 1.
State lawmakers cut funding for Oregon State University’s agricultural experiment station, Extension service and forest research lab, though not as drastically as originally proposed.
“I’m not sure if I just picked up a stick and poked it in the ground… but for whatever reason, I had poked it in the right spot and found truffles,” says Luoma, who later became an ecology professor at Oregon State University until he retired this year.
Dr. Bernadine Strik, our expert on growing grapes in the home garden, gave me the following advice for your Thompson seedling grape plant. She also gives pruning courses online. One is for grapes.
Today’s workspace: “As the advisor for students in the Ecampus Horticulture program,” says Sarah Finger McDonald, “It's fitting that on beautiful days my yard becomes my office (and my daughter's nail salon and a guinea pig playground).” We've seen lots of your workspaces. Now it's time to see the view from your windows (or decks or balconies). Submit photos of your view (please don't include photos of people without their permission) and send it in an email to osutoday@oregonstate.edu. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
Coping With Pandemic Anxiety As Kids Return To School: Webinar Description: The start of the school year during the COVID-19 pandemic is filled with uncertainties and concerns that are causing understandable stress for many parents and caretakers. This workshop is designed to help people cope with emotions and anxiety in response to returning to school during the pandemic. It will provide an understanding of the types of reactions people may experience during this time, and offer practical tips for coping. Aug. 17, 11 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4850615801314348299. Aug. 24, 11 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3781183513139403275
DFA Risk Appetite and Risk Assessment Tools: Train the Trainer: Insurance and Risk Management Services will facilitate a workshop for unit leaders and supervisors to provide exposure to the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools. Attendees will gain hands-on practice and develop the skills necessary to assist other employees in understanding and incorporating the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools into their work. Zoom session Aug. 18, 9-10:30 a.m. Registration required.
Investment webinars: The Maps Credit Union CFS investment team is conducting a Weekly Webinar Series on a variety of investment topics that include current market updates.This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Tuesday, Aug. 18, noon -- Social Security: Seven Keys to Enhancing Benefits; Wednesday, Aug. 19, noon -- When is your Retirement Date?; Wednesday, Aug. 19, 3 p.m. -- Investing With Social Responsibility; Thursday, Aug. 20, noon -- Plan and Build Your Secure Financial House. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
Free Virtual Nutrition Counseling: The OSU dietetic interns will be providing free Zoom counseling appointments to OSU faculty/staff/alumni and their immediate family members on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the weeks of Aug. 17. Contact michelle.bump@oregonstate.edu if you would like to schedule a session. Sessions can count toward your HEM requirements.
American Strings Webcast: An Evening with Keb’ Mo'. Crank up that home sound system and enjoy the next installment of CLA’s American Strings – a conversation and live remote performance with blues artist and five-time Grammy Award winner Keb’ Mo’ on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. Host Bob Santelli, OSU’s director of popular music and performing arts, will lead the live interview and solo performance, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about a variety of genres from across American music traditions. Presented in partnership with OSU Alumni Association. The webcast is free and open to all. Registration is needed to receive link to view.
2020 University Day Keynote Session and Expo registration is now open. Register for the virtual keynote session with Freeman Hrabowski, President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. Watch the live or recorded keynote session and be entered into daily prize drawings (through Sept. 25). Also register your unit to present in the virtual expo and showcase your unit’s work and opportunities to fellow staff and faculty. Register today at universityday.oregonstate.edu. For more info, contact Mealoha McFadden at Mealoha.mcfadden@oregonstate.edu or 541-231-2585.
Accountability - Commitment and Responsibility: There is a subtle distinction between accountability and responsibility that when understood changes the conversation when accountability issues arise. This short program will illustrate this distinction and allow you to consider the distinction by examining accountability issues. The end goal is greater commitment that results in increased productivity and personal effectiveness. Aug. 19 via Zoom 8:30-9 a.m. Registration required.
Developing High Performance Teams: Why do some teams consistently produce outstanding results and other teams perform moderately at best? We will examine distinguishing characteristics of high-performing teams and provide tools and principles you can use to develop high level teams. Recommended for managers and leaders. Aug. 19 via Zoom 9:30-11:30 a.m. Registration required.
Increasing Productivity Through Time Awareness: Too much to do and not enough time? We can't add more hours to the day, but we can be more aware of how we spend our time and make better choices about how we use it. As part of this session, you will learn how to increase your awareness of time-task relationship, empowering you with a useful tool when considering how to best use your time. Offered 2 times: Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 via Zoom 8-9 a.m. Registration required
Work-life Balance & Integration: The essence of work life balance is to effectively integrate work responsibilities with the domains (or buckets) in our personal lives. We will share counterbalancing techniques, and you will have an opportunity to get started by mapping out your responsibilities and other “buckets” unique to your situation. Offered 2 times: Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 via Zoom 10-11 a.m. Registration required.
Coping During Uncertain Times: Webinar Description: People have a powerful need to understand and predict their environments in order to feel in control. When we are exposed to potential threats to our well-being, we naturally respond to this uncertainty with anxiety and fear. This training will address ways of effectively coping with uncertainty in today’s media-saturated world. The course will examine how to remain positive and functional despite the risks of living in a changing world. Included will be practical tips for coping with uncertainty, re-establishing control and how to speak to children about fear. Employees can register at the link below. Aug. 25, 10 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4054306599652415248
Accessibility Basics for the Web: Learn how to make websites accessible to people with disabilities. We'll also discuss the OSU policy on Information Technology Accessibility. All are welcome; employees with website responsibilities are encouraged if they have not attended yet. Register for a session, offered Aug. 25.
Oregon State Clean Water Virtual Conference: Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Featuring live lectures with audience Q&A, virtual project displays with live video chat, and more. Full details at engineering.oregonstate.edu/cleanwater2020.
Leading During COVID-19: Supporting Women in Higher Education Virtual Panel: Join the Center for the Advancement of Women in Leadership on Tuesday, Sept. 1, noon, for a free virtual panel bringing together women leaders in higher education to discuss policies and practices that can support women and families in our institutions. Panelists will share personal stories, relevant research findings, and recommendations for ways that other leaders can create equitable and supportive workplaces. Our goal is to create a list of recommended policies and practices for leaders in higher education to pledge to adopt and share, advancing women’s leadership and success in higher education during COVID and beyond. To register and learn more, visit Supporting Women in Higher Education.
Master Recycler class: Would you like to learn all about waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to help spread change in our community? Secure your spot in this annual class, now on Zoom. Monday nights, Sept. 28-Dec. 7 plus two Thursday Q&A sessions. Free to residents of Linn and Benton counties who agree to “pay back” what they learned by completing 30 hours of volunteer service. Visit http://tiny.cc/recycclass for more details and to sign-up.
Weight Watchers: Weight Watchers has launched new private virtual workshops for PEBB members. Get ready to see some familiar faces and join together for a weekly workshop guided by a WW coach. Move closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals in this fun, supportive and private live Virtual Workshop. Current WW members can view the workshop schedule by joining PEBB’s Connect Group here.
NEW! Mid-Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Water - Humans are made up of 65% water and need water after 3 days or we will perish. Without water as a routine part of our intake, we cannot digest or absorb food.This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/water-disasters
NEW! IT Strategic Plan 2023: University Information and Technology and the OSU IT community are nearing completion of our joint development of a strategic plan to guide the future of the university’s data and IT systems and services, including those located centrally and in academic or administrative units. To read the plan, learn about our shared vision and submit feedback, visit https://uit.oregonstate.edu/it-strategic-plan. We encourage the university community to share your thoughts by Sept. 30.
NEW! What’s Next? A new podcast tells OSU alumni stories: Seizing opportunities is what Oregon State alumni do. Take a closer look at the dreams, achievements and advice of Beaver grads in the brand-new What’s Next? podcast. Check out the first episode, where host Cody Stover ’15 will talk with Willen Sin ’13, a fan turned game operations and events manager for the Portland Trailblazers. Listen in weekly at osualum.com/WhatsNext
STEM research: The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the STEM Research Center at OSU are collaborating on “interPLAY: Developing STEM Skills through Play and Exhibit Design for Early Learners in Children’s Museums and Science Centers.” This four-year research project focuses on better understanding playful engagement with STEM exhibits for children ages three to eight. Read more about the project.
Opportunity for Teaching Faculty: The Fall 2020 Blended Faculty Learning Community, sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning and Academic Technology, will help faculty enhance their teaching, with a focus on applying effective practices for blended learning and the use of educational technology. Instructors and tenured/tenure-track faculty who teach credit-based Corvallis and Cascades campus courses are eligible to apply. See Call for Proposals and apply by Aug. 31.
Care.com Childcare and Education Resources: Care.com has a new benefit to help employees connect to care-related and distance learning resources that is relevant in the current unprecedented back-to-school season. It includes assistance connecting to resources such as tutors, nanny shares, pod teachers, babysitters, and more. Enroll today to ensure you have access to these Care.com benefits at www.care.com/osu. There, you can access all of the care-related and distance learning resources they offer. They have also published a Back to School Resource Guide that employees can access here: https://www.care.com/c/stories/16884/back-to-school-2020/.
The LaSells Stewart Center and the CH2M HILL Alumni Center are open to book events: We are ready to host your business meeting or seminar. We have all COVID-19 guidelines in place and exceed social distancing and sanitation guidelines to provide a safe and welcoming environment. We have new improved technology to provide robust support for hybrid and virtual events. We remain committed to supporting successful meetings, conferences and events even as we adapt to COVID-19. Please email The LaSells Stewart Center or CH2M HILL Alumni Center to inquire about space.
Updates to University Policies & Standards: Please visit the University Policy & Standards page to learn about recent policy updates: http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back regularly. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.
Criminal History Checks and Youth Programs: Although Covid-19 has affected the number and types of youth programs operating this summer, criminal history checks are required for certain individuals working in programs and activities involving minors, including university representatives and volunteers. Information about minors and CHC policies: University Policy: 07-040 Safety of Minors and University Standard: 576-055 Criminal History Check. Process questions? Send an email to employment@oregonstate.edu. Policy questions? Contact Linda Nye at linda.nye@oregonstate.edu.
OSU Press: Through the end of August, OSU Press is offering 30% off and free shipping on a selection of books that illuminate the experiences of marginalized communities in Oregon and beyond. Enter the promo code AMPLIFY at checkout on the Press website to obtain the discount. http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/blog/amplifying-underrepresented-voices
NEW! Sidewalk closure: As part of the Buxton Hall Roof Replacement Project, the sidewalk on the south side of SW Jefferson Way from SW Weatherford Place to SW Sackett Place will be closed to support dumpster placement (view map). The closure is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 14 and continue through Friday, Sept. 4. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Patrick Robinson with University Housing and Dining Services at 541-737-2428.
NEW! Intramural Lane: Due to work related to the Cauthorn Hall fire suppression installation, SW Intramural Lane will be closed between SW Weatherford Place and SW 30th Street (view map). The closure is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 14 and continue through Saturday, Aug. 29. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Patrick Robinson with University Housing and Dining Services at 541-737-2428.
Summer paving: As part of the summer 2020 parking lot paving schedule, parking lot closures for asphalt renewal are planned for the following parking lots: #3278 (Sports Complex East), #3205 (Adams Northeast) and #3313 (Bates North). The lots will be fully or partially closed for construction and planned closure durations are subject to change as construction proceeds. Work for lot #3313 (Bates North) started on Thursday, July 23, and continues through Monday, Aug. 24. Work for lot #3205 (Adams Northeast) started on Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through Tuesday, Sept. 1. Work for lot #3278 (Sports Complex East) started on Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through Wednesday, Sept. 2. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Infrastructure Project Manager Aaron Collett at 541-207-2780.
Irish Bend Covered Bridge Rehabilitation: Construction is scheduled to begin on the Irish Bend Covered Bridge along Southwest Campus Way on July 6, lasting until September. The bridge rehabilitation includes installing a fire suppression system, repainting and repairs to the wood structure. The covered bridge and Campus Way Path will be closed; Campus Way will remain open.
Postponed: Annual Steam Shutdown-Campus Wide: Each year Facilities Services performs necessary maintenance on the university’s steam system, which requires shutting off the steam throughout campus, to complete maintenance services at the plant, throughout the steam tunnels and in each building. This process affects hot water supply, heating and all equipment that uses steam, campus wide. The decision has been made to postpone the annual steam shut down until August in order to stay within the guidelines from the governor, university, state and CDC’s orders. The steam shutdown for 2020 will occur from Aug. 24 at 11 p.m. to Aug. 27 at 8 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you all for your understanding. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Facilities Services at 541-737-2969.
“You can't let fear paralyze you. The worse that can happen is you fail, but guess what: You get up and try again. Feel that pain, get over it, get up, dust yourself off and keep it moving." ~ Queen Latifah.
Corvallis: Mostly sunny today, high of 90, low of 56. Mostly sunny tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Slight chance of thunderstorms, high of 96, low of 61. Partly sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Patchy fog and then mostly sunny, high of 62, low of 53. Patchy fog tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
